By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: I am expecting a child and will be out of work for six months. Can I qualify for short-term disability? Answer: No. Social Security pays only for total disability — conditions that render you unable to work and are expected to last for at least a year or end in death. No benefits are payable for … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 34

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Scams to steal your personal information are at an all-time high. The need to safeguard important personal documents such as your Social Security card continues to be very important. A Social Security card is not an identification document. In many situations, you only need to know your Social Security number (SSN). Your physical card is not necessary … Continue reading Social Security cards are safer at home

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program helps support many American families. As we celebrate 50 years of SSI, it is a great time to briefly share the history of SSI and information on how to apply. On October 30, 1972, President Nixon signed SSI into law. In January 1974, we began paying SSI to people who met … Continue reading SSI: 50 years of financial security

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Effective October 2022, you can self-select your sex on your Social Security number (SSN) record. “The Social Security Administration’s Equity Action Plan includes a commitment to decrease administrative burdens and ensure people who identify as gender diverse or transgender have options in the Social Security Number card application process,” said Acting Commissioner of Social Security, Kilolo Kijakazi. … Continue reading New: self-attestation of sex marker in Social Security records

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist If you did not apply for Medicare Part B (medical insurance) within three months before or after turning age 65, you have another chance each year during the General Enrollment Period. The period runs from January 1 to March 31 every year. If you don’t enroll in Part B when you’re first eligible for it, you may … Continue reading General enrollment period for Medicare Part B

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security programs touch the lives of more than 70 million people. We work hard to ensure critical benefits and other services are accessible to you.  Consider the start of the new year as an opportunity for you to engage with Social Security online. This begins with creating your free and secure personal my Social Security account … Continue reading This New Year, learn about Social Security online

By the Mid-America Pension Rights Project at Elder Law of Michigan The Mid-America Pension Rights Project (MAPRP) assists clients with pension and 401(k) issues. There are no age or income restrictions and there is never a charge for the services. The Pension Project works to find answers and solutions to your pension-related problem. Just ask Mr. Q. Mr. Q knew that he had a 401k with his last employer … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): A Working-Class Program that Works to Solve Your Pension Problems

Mid-America Pension Rights Project at Elder Law of Michigan The Mid-America Pension Rights Project (MAPRP) assists clients with pension and 401(k) issues.  There are no age or income restrictions and there is never a charge for the services.  The Pension Project works to find answers and solutions to your pension-related problem.  Just ask Mr. S.  Mr. S recently turned 65 and contacted a former employer … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project):A Working-Class Program that Works to Solve Your Pension Problems 

Elder Law of Michigan’s offices will close at 3:30 pm today, Wednesday, November 23, 2022. We will be closed Thursday, November 24, and Friday, November 25, 2022, for the Thanksgiving. We will resume regular business hours on Monday, November 28, 2022.   Happy Thanksgiving Day!   Continue reading Office Hours and Thanksgiving Holiday

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Are you concerned about protecting your older relatives and friends from elder abuse? The pandemic highlighted the disproportionate impact of tragedy on underserved communities, including older adults, who face high rates of elder abuse, fraud, and nursing homes deaths. It’s important to remember that elder abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or … Continue reading Protecting our loved ones from elder abuse